Death of female inmate in Maple Ridge called a homicide

Homicide investigators suspect foul play is involved in the death of a female inmate at a Maple Ridge prison.

Photograph by: Stuart Davis
, Vancouver Sun files

METRO VANCOUVER — Friday's death of a 51-year-old woman at Alouette Correctional Centre for Women in Maple Ridge has been deemed a homicide.

Ridge Meadows RCMP said Monday that April Peregooda, who had lived in Vernon before her incarceration, was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Police suspected foul play and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called in to lead the investigation.

“This investigation is in the initial stages and IHIT is looking to obtain information about the motive and circumstances leading up to the homicide by speaking with other inmates,” said Sgt. Jennifer Pound in a statement. “One female has been arrested in connection to this homicide, however there have been no charges laid thus far.”

An autopsy will be conducted to help in confirming the cause of death.